Alex Karaban Named Malone Award Top Five Finalist

[HooperScooper]

So that makes 2 players on the top 5 lists at their respective positions. Are we also going to use this thread to explain why he doesn't deserve this? 😂 He's obviously not winning it going against the other 4 (see below) but top 5 is darn good.

UConn men's basketball star Alex Karaban has been named a Top Five Finalist for the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award, as announced by the Naismith Hall of Fame on Thursday (March 12). He joins teammate Solo Ball, a member of the West Award Top Five, as Huskies honored among the 'Starting Five' award finalists.

https://uconnhuskies.com/news/2026/3/12/mens-basketball-alex-karaban-named-malone-award-top-five-finalist

Other 4 are:
Cam Boozer, Duke
Josh Jefferson, Iowa St.
Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue

 

[Inyatkin]

I think there's a mistake here. The Duke guy's name is Carlos Boozer

 

[aceboon]

folks(including Hurley) can't cry about UConn players not receiving recognition this year, the brand is clearly in a good place

 

[mauconnfan]

folks(including Hurley) can't cry about UConn players not receiving recognition this year, the brand is clearly in a good place

Dare I say I’m amazed either are on the lists. So you are right, lots of recognition!

 

[superjohn]

Apparently we're the '86 Celtics.

 

[navery12]

The 2 Huskies on the top 5 lists are probably the 2 most divisive Huskies this year. UConn is certainly getting recognition, as they should

 

[CardiacAndre7]

I’m gonna be PISSED OFF the next time Seth Davis ranks us two spots too low though.

 

[ucp990411]

These lists must be put together in November

 

[FreeDogs]

So that makes 2 players on the top 5 lists at their respective positions. Are we also going to use this thread to explain why he doesn't deserve this? 😂 He's obviously not winning it going against the other 4 (see below) but top 5 is darn good.

UConn men's basketball star Alex Karaban has been named a Top Five Finalist for the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award, as announced by the Naismith Hall of Fame on Thursday (March 12). He joins teammate Solo Ball, a member of the West Award Top Five, as Huskies honored among the 'Starting Five' award finalists.

https://uconnhuskies.com/news/2026/3/12/mens-basketball-alex-karaban-named-malone-award-top-five-finalist

Other 4 are:
Cam Boozer, Duke
Josh Jefferson, Iowa St.
Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue

Agreed with everything you said.

 

[caw]

Well deserved.

I think sometimes people a) only watch UConn, or b) are way too invested in the UConn games to really impartially evaluate the players UConn has. I know I do it sometimes myself when not taking some time with things.

 

[CL82]

I'll just throw this in here...